Scouting/BSA/Electricity Merit Badge

Requirement 1
Demonstrate that you know how to respond to electrical emergencies by doing the following:


 * A. Show how to rescue a person touching a live wire in the home.


 * B. Show how to render first aid to a person who is unconscious from electrical shock.


 * C. Show how to treat an electrical burn.


 * D. Explain what to do in an electrical storm.


 * E. Explain what to do in the event of an electrical fire.

Requirement 2
Complete an electrical home safety inspection of your home, using the checklist found in this pamphlet or one approved by your counselor. Discuss what you find with your counselor.

Requirement 3
Make a simple electromagnet and use it to show magnetic attraction and repulsion.

Requirement 4
Explain the difference between direct current and alternating current.

Requirement 5
Make a simple drawing to show how a battery and an electric bell work.

Requirement 6
Explain why a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips. Tell how to find a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. Show how to safely reset the circuit breaker.

Requirement 7
Explain what overloading an electric circuit means. Tell what you have done to make sure your home circuits are not overloaded.

Requirement 8
Make a floor plan wiring diagram of the lights, switches, and outlets for a room in your home. Show which fuse or circuit breaker protects each one.

Requirement 9
Do the following:


 * A. Read an electric meter and, using your family's electric bill, determine the energy cost from the meter readings.


 * B. Discuss with your counselor five ways in which your family can conserve energy.

Requirement 10
Explain the following electrical terms: volt, ampere, watt, ohm, resistance, potential difference, rectifier, rheostat, conductor, ground, circuit, and short circuit.

Requirement 11
Do any TWO of the following:


 * A. Connect a buzzer, bell, or light with a battery. Have a key or switch in the line.


 * B. Make and run a simple electric motor (not from a kit).


 * C. Build a simple rheostat. Show that it works.


 * D. Build a single-pole, double-throw switch. Show that it works.


 * E. Hook a model electric train layout to a house circuit. Tell how it works.